Made In The USA: P53 and the Lost American Iron

It’s the 4th of July, and it’s time for Americans to celebrate the US of A. Cookouts, fireworks and maybe a round of Red, White and Blue golf are all on the agenda.

Today’s story reflects today’s America in many ways: some of you will love it, some will hate it, and some will be firmly in the middle.

Several weeks ago we ran an article on club design and Chinese manufacturing. Many of you lamented the disappearance of actual “Made-in-the-USA” golf clubs. Well, Happy July 4th, because we found a company resurrecting the lost art of American-made irons, forged in the USA by American workers using certified USA steel.

It’s a long and winding road of a story; resurrecting a lost industry, an unusual go-to-market plan and a reality that many of us will never even see, let alone try one. It’s a polarizing story that starts with a love of classic, forged muscle-back irons.

The Lost Legacy

Christopher Griffin says Ben Hogan inspired his quest to resurrect the great American iron.

“I wanted a product that, if Mr. Hogan walked into a room and every iron on the planet were laid out on a table, he’d walk over to the P53 and say ‘I choose this one.’”

Griffin is a careful and reticent sort. You won’t find much in the golf media about him or P53, and the company’s very nature is antithetical to ads, social media, online reviews or hashtags. Griffin is a venture capitalist who knows money, where to find it and what to do with it. He also holds graduate degrees in literature and philosophic humanities as well as business, and is the only golf exec I know who studied Latin for six years.

“People who forgo the aesthetic in this game are missing something,” Griffin tells MyGolfSpy. “For me, the equipment I use is an integral part of the experience. I think the industry walked away from that. I don’t blame them, but I wanted to bring back an iron that was a joy to look at, a joy to handle and an absolute joy to play.”

Griffin traveled a long, arduous road to make P53 a reality. He’s an industry outsider, and his journey started during his days with Microsoft as a 26-handicapper hacking around the Jackson Park Golf Course in Seattle, and a fortuitous visit to a golf shop on Aurora Avenue.

For The Love Of Blades

“The first iron that inspired me was a set of Hogan PC blades, the ’86-’87 models,” says Griffin. “At that point, I was playing cavity-backed whatevers, under the assumption those were what I needed, and I was awful.”

Griffin saw the Hogan’s, bought them and $89 later a 26 gaming blades never looked back.

“The immediate affinity, I can’t even describe how powerful it was,” Griffin says. “It was a completely aesthetic attraction at first, but the performance was no different than playing cavity backs. Everyone said I should be playing Big Bertha’s or whatever, but there was an aesthetic component I kept hammering on. I eventually got better than those players who said I should be playing game-improvement gear.”

If you’re a regular MyGolfSpy reader, you know our feelings on performance versus aesthetics. Ironically, MyGolfSpy plays a key role in the P53 story, as we inadvertently introduced Griffin to club designer Jeff Sheets.

“I discovered Jeff through a MyGolfSpy article on his design of the ’99 Hogan Apex irons,” says Griffin. “The hair on the back of my neck stood up as we started talking because I realized he had designed nearly every club in my bag – Wilson woods, an old MacGregor putter, and the ’99 Hogans. His eye contributed to the design of all the clubs I had intuitively gravitated toward.”

“So I engaged him to work on these design ideas I had for not only reclaiming the lost legacy of great American production, but also creating an iron that was iconic in its own right. It couldn’t just look good, it had to play as well or better than anything on the market.” – Christopher Griffin

Griffin and Sheets officially partnered in 2013. The P53 name honors the 60th anniversary of Hogan’s 1953 season, which also plays a key role in P53’s business model, as we’ll learn later.

With a designer on board, the next step was daunting: finding a way to make P53 in the U.S.

The Manhattan Project

It’s been nearly two decades since we’ve seen forged club heads mass-produced here in the U.S. The economics of Asian manufacturing prompted OEMs to look to the Far East, but Griffin committed to American manufacturing as early as 2010.

“Just like when I started playing vintage blades, people thought I was insane,” says Griffin. “We literally had to reinvent an industry.”

Griffin says finding forging houses in the U.S. wasn’t particularly hard, but finding one to make golf irons the way he and Sheets wanted was a different story.

“We found a family-owned partner for forgings – they do terrific work,” says Griffin, who won’t divulge the company name, but adds making irons the way P53 wanted requires more than just getting someone to stamp them out.

“Finding somebody equally intrigued with the opportunity to try this was the real key. To get the tolerances we wanted and the quirky proprietary production protocols we wanted was unusual.”

P53 designs and owns all of the tooling used to forge its irons, and its providers certify all components used are U.S. made. “We do the same thing with all of our machining services, coining services, specific heat treatments that are unique to us – that’s all done in the U.S.”

In addition, P53’s steel billets are certified from the mills as U.S. production.

Finding chrome plating services using hexavalent chromium, a known carcinogen, proved even more difficult due to EPA regulations.

“It was a challenge, but again, commitment and not quitting go a long way,” says Griffin. “We do a traditional copper underlayment and a double-nickel process with a hexavalent chromium finish, like the true classic irons. You haven’t seen that in 20 years. We dug deep, and sourced partners grandfathered to use hexavalent chromium.”

Despite the challenges, Griffin is certain other companies will follow his Made-In-America footsteps.

“People don’t realize what a significant set of obstacles that represented,” he says. “There’s an obvious reason why no one else does it, but I guaranty people will follow our lead. You’ll see people jump on the bandwagon and try to ride the wings of change, but I hope people will remember who stepped up first.”

Truly Bespoke

P53’s iron offering is called 1/953, again in honor of Ben Hogan’s 1953 season. Specifically, the designation means only 953 sets will be produced, and every one will be a muscle-back blade.

“At my core, I believe the muscle-back iron is an iconic design for a reason,” says Griffin. “Ours looks like a low CG club, but the uniqueness of the design is we actually carry mass high up that club face. There are subtle design features that allow us to maximize mass going into the ball.”

“We actually surprised ourselves when we started seeing this clubhead outperforming irons by major manufacturers specifically designed for distance,” he adds. “That was a little shocking. It comes from a combination of a very easy-to-hit muscle-back design with our unique attributes, and a fitting process that can make the difference between an enjoyable golf club and one that’s miserable to hit.”

P53 creates what it calls truly bespoke irons for each client, irons unique to him or her, be they right-handed or left. Griffin is quick to point out there’s a huge difference between bespoke and custom-fit.

“We can make a topline you can shave with, if you want,” he says. “If we have a client coming out of clubs with significant heel relief, they may want to see more heel relief in their P53 irons. If we have someone coming out of a boxier toe, we can adjust toe shape, toe apex, radius on the topline, bevel on the topline, all of those aesthetic components.”

P53 also looks at turf interaction and Trackman data to determine what grinds might benefit each golfer, and any shaft on the planet is an option. A P53 fitting session is, to put it mildly, painstaking.

“We view our clients as members,” says Griffin. “So fitting is an ongoing process. It cracks me up how some companies claiming to sell luxury irons have you in a fitting session one day and hand you a set the next. That’s physically impossible with the level of work we do on our clubs.”

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Clients and Memberships

So, would you like to give a P53 a whack or two at a local demo day?

Uhhh, no.

Perhaps a visit to an exclusive private club or Top-100 fitter? No again.

Can you fly down to Fort Worth, Texas to P53’s fitting center (at the old Nike Oven) to try before you buy? Not a chance.

You see, P53 doesn’t look for customers, it accepts clients. But to be a client, you first have to be a candidate.

“We’re all about finding the right fit between what we offer and what a player is seeking,” says Griffin. “Either you value it, or you don’t. It’s like a Purdey or a Holland & Holland shotgun – you either value what went into the creation of that product, or you don’t. A Mossberg 500 from Wal-Mart will get the job done.”

Candidates often come from private referral, but you can apply to be a candidate on P53’s website. The process starts with Griffin discussing with the candidate what P53 is all about. Sometimes that’s as far as it gets.

“If someone spends a ton of money buying golf clubs, only to swap them out every year, that person, at least from my experience, tends to blame his equipment for his failing on the course,” says Griffin. “I’d rather not have that person on my client list because they don’t understand what we’re creating.”

“If someone slings coffee for a living but is a classic blades player and a quality individual I’d love to spend time with on the course, then we’ll figure that out. It’s really about finding the right people who value what we value.”

“I love the guys who play garage sale irons, know their swing and what they’re capable of and stick to it. There’s honor in that. The thing that lacks honor, in my opinion, is when people think they can buy a game by chasing technology. It has nothing to do with your balance sheet and everything to do with what you value aesthetically about the game.” – Christopher Griffin

It would be easy to conclude that P53 is an elitist brand for one-percenters who feel PXG is too common clay. Griffin cops to being elitist, but bristles at P53 being labeled as golf clubs for rich guys.

“We’re definitely product elitists, without apology,” he admits. “I don’t perceive ourselves as elitist in any other fashion. If someone truly wants to become a member of P53 and they value what we value, we’ll figure out a way to make it happen.”

Ask about resale value, however, and you’ll be shown the door almost immediately. Part of the sales agreement prevents selling P53s on the secondary market.

So, How Much?

P53 has tiered product-and-service pricing, with a six-club minimum starting at around $6,000.00. That includes what Griffin calls a world-class, multi-stage fitting at FHQ, its fitting headquarters in Fort Worth.

“Prices go up from there based on the number of irons and array of services,” adds Griffin. “That can include everything from accommodations and flights to additional rounds at private courses and invitation-only experiences we can put together for each client.”

If you’re of a mind that spending PXG money is folly because it won’t make you a better golfer, then six Gs for six irons will probably make you downright apoplectic. You may be surprised, however, to find that Griffin agrees with you.

“I respect that, I absolutely respect that, and I want to go on record about that,” he says. “This is not about creating golf clubs for rich guys. We want you to play the best you can play, whatever that means for you.”

“If you can only afford a cobbled together set from garage sales, that’s fantastic, I look forward to playing with you,” says Griffin. “The person I don’t want to play with is the person who buys a new set of clubs every month, blames them for lack of practice or mental strength, and goes on to buy another set. Those are not our clients.”

All-American or Elitist?

No, P53 is not for everyone, a point Griffin makes very clear. However, he also makes clear that since he owns the company, he’s always willing to discuss payment terms for anyone truly interested in becoming a member. You don’t have to be a rich guy; you just have to be the right guy.

Since it’s the 4th of July, you’re free to argue P53 is elitist and decidedly un-American, but all that arguing not only means that P53’s aren’t for you, you probably aren’t for P53.

“It requires someone to reframe everything they know about equipment, step back and ask, ‘why am I playing this game?’,” says Griffin. “For most people, it’s about comradery and the aesthetic experience. So why wouldn’t you step up to a set of irons that make you happy simply to look at, simply to hold and that you can play better than any other iron you’ve ever played before? Because if you can’t, I won’t let you buy them. Why would I?”

Note Griffin didn’t say his irons will make you a better player, only that you can play his irons better than any other iron. If you can’t, he won’t sell them to you. Griffin chooses his words carefully and makes an important distinction.

For what it’s worth, the likelihood of MyGolfSpy ever reviewing P53’s is slightly lower than LeBron changing his mind and going back to Cleveland. A head-to-head comparison with the field simply isn’t in Griffin’s playbook. Neither is market share, growth or industry trends, and there’s a chance once the client list hits 953, that’ll be that, and P53 morphs into experience provider for its 953 clients.

“One of my investors likes to say everyone gets what they want, it’s just how badly do you want it,” says Griffin. “People talk about supporting American production, people talk about playing the best they can. People make choices all day long, and if they value something highly enough, they’ll generally be able to acquire to which they aspire, within reason, of course.”

The declaration we celebrate today promises life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. P53 is very much about that pursuit of happiness. If pursuing bespoke, made-in-the-USA, forged muscle-backs makes you happy, then that, in its own way, is uniquely American.

John Barba

John is an aging, yet avid golfer, writer, 5-point-something handicapper and golf reality show finalist. He’s a fan of Hogan, Jack and Arnie and still has an old set of MacGregor irons that get to see the course a couple times a year.
“The only thing a golfer needs is more daylight.” - BenHogan

73 Comments

Tomas

11 months ago

This business proposition of course has nothing to do with the equipment, it’s about selling an experience and being part of a exclusive “club”. Yes, the actual sticks will probably be nice but the point will be what other things and experiences will be sold along the year’s to this customer base. Also remember that 6k was the min price, I bet most customers will spend a lot more on the clubs alone and god knows how much on the other things (maybe next year they have a limited batch of whisky, made in US of course…).

So to everyone trying to reason that you can buy clubs of equal performance for much less are absolutely correct but at the same time are 100% missing the whole point with what P53 is doing.

sam

11 months ago

There are cars and then there are super cars.
Them there are Limited addition super cars..and not all those who buy them are crack drivers and know how to handle such artistic and exotic product.
P53″ are a limited addition super car.
I would still need to hit a P53, 7 iron, on to the green from 150m just as I hit my old TM R7 now! ( I was a 26hc when I Picked up my TM R7′ now I’m a 10hc and off 6 when I putt well).
In the end, it’s the Putter that keeps your score Low anyway.
There you go, guys, What you need now is a P53 Putter.! $ 1000. BINGO!!!

G-Stove

11 months ago

In my humble opinion, these look a lot like a cross between the old Mizuno T-Zoid Pro irons (obviously if they were made in straight blades, not the cut muscle with all the extra mass behind the sweet spot) and one of the first Srixon tour blades. Can’t remember which Srixon blade. Like the old school look of club #’s on hosel though!

Timbo

11 months ago

This was a great read, John. Thanks for it. Great balance of reporting on the product and editorializing about the man behind it.

I appreciate that Chris and Jeff have created something which speaks to a golfer who appreciates the same things they do – and have set out to serve, in earnest, a segment of golfer who sees the world as they do. I really admire how they are chasing down and fulfilling on a passion. And the fact that they are unapologetic about this commitment is completely honorable. And, to publicaly say that they will find a way to match their product to the right buyer regardless of economic standing speaks even more to the “why” of what they are doing.

Fact is, the game of golf is a lot of different things to all who play it. For some the “art” of golf equipment is not an important part of their appreciation of the game (as seen in many of the comments here). There is room for everyone to appreciate the game the way they choose and that is why this game is so beautiful!

Ken Harris

11 months ago

My 2 golf partners under 50 just went back to blade, J went to Mizuno 718 blades and R went to Titeliest 718mb’s. Both are 5-10 handicaps and going low right now. I just bought the custom P718 2 weeks ago, I am 62 and a 10 from the back tees. It looks like the golf industry is doing well right now. We all seem happy with the new technology

Bob

11 months ago

Great article. The P 53 are truly a work of art.
Take price tag of $6000 , do not know if I would play them or hang them on a wall. Would be interesting to see the next generation.
Or how these clubs would maintain their value in 2 years.

bunnyman

11 months ago

I thought that I had read that there is a “no re-sale agreement” when you agree to purchase a set of these clubs.

I have an old friend who was building guitar amps and he had a no re-sale agreement, as well; of course he does not build amps any longer and never did go after the customers who were trading them in at Guitar Center for a Mesa Boogie…

c blist

11 months ago

This is not really a club manufacturer in the sense most of us have ever known it to be, and thus really isn’t in the realm of a new US-based club “brand”. They’re making customized personal products that just happen to be golf clubs. This more fits in with hand tailored suits, custom shoes, jewelry, or a commissioned painting.

Timbo

FlowGolf

11 months ago

What I love most about golf is the process of improvement. I’m an equipment geek too and I must say I have no interest whatsoever in the P53 sticks. Playing aspirational equipment is a great way to shoot higher scores, not lower.

Look, golf has serious image issues as it is and this guy just made it worse. Thanks but I won’t be “applying” for a fitting, I’m happy with my Wilson C300 Forged irons. Good luck.

bunnyman

11 months ago

I respect what he is trying to do. But as a guy who just spent $6K for a new fence around my property, I can find many other uses for $6K, especially when I can get a set of clubs for less than $500 by watching eBay and for sales.

the actual shaft of the club is more expensive to produce…given a five dollar iron shaft the actual club head costs about one dollar to produce shape clone or not…a little ubsurd.

buying a five iron through pitching wedge set for six grand, stupid

that being said would of really liked to see some brands produce non game improvement irons, pinnacle etc…a strong set of blades ie 1,2-G would of bolstered sales in a lot of failing sporting goods stores, DICK’s etc. Instead more game improvement irons witch will never be used by the golfer better carrying a seven wood or hybrid, seven wood being better or more usable than the modern hybrid ruining long iron play for the better golfer, and good luck, golf has seemed to stick itself back in the early nineties total lack of strong play across the board.
a set of blades aren’t worth 1200-1600 dollars, and don’t include any low irons, why? 1,2 and corresponding short game wedges when the set was ordered, and you end up with a stupid looking driving iron to suffice some of the time works with inconsistent learners play and learning swings, shame.

gonna have to impression mold all of the ball covers with paint now, looking at crappy current dimple designs, as well.

leftgolfer

11 months ago

Nothing more than a set of clubs that rich guys can go around saying they have a set and you don’t, even to other rich guys which is sort of what they are all about. Ego stroking and most sets will never be put in play by their owners. I am disappointed though in the Made in USA point though because someone will think, well, we can make irons in the USA but you will have to pay $6000 a set for them which is the anti-thesis of what the “new” economy is trying to do. We want manufacturing, jobs, new products in the USA but the fact that CEO’s like this guy, a marketing Made in USA but you pay out the buttocks for it is kind of sad.

Tom Duckworth

11 months ago

Very beautiful clubs works of art I would love them I’m sure but I will also never see a set in this lifetime. I’m not sure what he means by “We’ll figure it out” when the guy slinging coffee wants a set but I’m pretty sure that means figure out how to come up with $6000.00.
So yes these are still for rich guys no matter how you cut it. I don’t mean that in a hateful way but it is what it is.
I can pull out my old Wilson Staff blades and put them in the bag and they look as beautiful and play as good as any blade ever made.

Steve

11 months ago

Whether we want to admit it or not, this really is just a marketing message, and one that latches onto the current political mood. Yes, the clubs are pretty, and doing the additional carving work will make them even prettier.

But, I play a game that I love, and I will NOT be told I am “good enough” to be a client by some random smarmy guy. Anyone else that needs his approval to be a client can check themselves at the door.

These remind me of my very first bladed irons, 1978 Wilson Staff Tour Blades. A very interesting concept, love the design & great reading. It’s a shame these clubs will never, ever come to New Zealand. Unless they are from an over seas visitor playing at Tara iti. They are definitely out of my price range, but if I could. I’d definitely be applying for a fitting. Wish you guys all the best,

Vana gribon

11 months ago

Wanna know how people really feel about this pretentious BS go to mygolfspy facbook page, this is the most redicolous / con artistry piece of equipment in golf .. at least PXG introduced new technologies and design .. this is one smart ass thinking he can make money off pretentious hacks like himself .. best part though is that they accept clients but you first have to be a candidate .. LOL

Sharkhark

G-Stove

BenSeattle

11 months ago

Okay everybody, let’s take a deep breath and concede that this is a free country and entrepreneurial business types can establish any sort of criteria when both creating a product and marketing to a particular potential customer. But let’s get real. Listen to the “Gear Dive” podcast with Charles Howell III. When asked why he prefers cavity backs, he says, “I always wanted to go to Oklahoma State and play for coach Mike Holder. When it came to equipment, coach said we could play any club we wanted — as soon as we completed a season averaging 68 strokes per round. Until that time, we were REQUIRED to play cavity-back clubs. (OSU was /is a Ping school.) Here’s the point: Holder wanted his college hot-shots SHOOTING THE LOWEST SCORES POSSIBLE and he knew it would only happen with cavity-back (and cast) clubs.

So while dozens of websites will offer posts from assorted hackers that boast “I only play forged blades” and “blades make me try for better contact” and “nothing else feels like a blade,” I suggest you take the advice of Mike Holder and — only if you’re seeking lower scores, of course — forget the idea of forged blades and find a good-looking, forgiving club and ignore the “beautiful blades” pipedream. The clubs described in the article are strictly for money-is-no-object posers… those who want to show off to their friends, and that’s fine…. they’re just not serious golfers.

Also, MyGolfSpy…. “comradery” is not an Actual Word. Nobody at your website bothers to proofread…. or run Spell Check?

benseattle

11 months ago

You learn something every day. Nothing better than the camaraderie found here at MGS.

DG

11 months ago

Good post and I agree with most of your points.
My observation has been that (in lieu of actually learning proper swing technique and striking good shots) some people are getting their enjoyment from buying special clubs, high end bespoke golf bags etc… For this crowd golf is not about actually playing shots or shooting low scores, instead it’s an equipment/gear focus.
Regarding cavity back irons, it’s a shame no brand’s are producing traditional size head irons. I would like to see a company come out with a deep cavity back iron that is not a jumbo size head.

Johnny Penso

Joseph dreitler

11 months ago

Great story. And lovely product. It is made in America. And it is for people who love their equipment. They don’t throw them or slam them, they look upon custom clubs as works of art. They admire them. They don’t care if the club doesn’t go as far as a cast iron. They love the feel of a well struck shot with a blade, even if there are only 3 shots a round. I play golf for fun, not for money or to make a living. I understand what he is doing. Hope he succeeds.

Too bad Chris didn’t get to work at the Macgregor plant in Albany, GA before 1992. He could had seen thousands and thousands of sets of all USA made forgings and USA workers finishing them. Nickel Chrome plating system as well, all under one roof. The custom dept produced the finest clubs ever made, ground and finished by such as Don White and a few others. Heads ground to pre cut and gripped shafts, no weight adjustment, perfect. The clubs of Jack Nicklaus and anyone else fortunate enough to order a custom set. It was a fun place to work. Days gone by…. oh wait, maybe not. I wish Chris the best of luck in this endeavor. It would be great to see it succeed.

Will

11 months ago

Interesting article. A little after dinosaurs disappeared, I had a set of forged Wilson Staff Blades; wonderful feel after learing how to hit them. Since that time, I have played Hogan & Titleist forged; both of them had a great feel also and performed as well as the older Staff’s. These P53’s look beautiful and how they play depends on the individual; it’s obvious that little guy will never get an opportunity to hit these, unless the company starts going under & decided to mass market them. With the fitting equipment utilized today, you can obtain a quality set of forged irons, should you desire. This all depends on the person doing the fitting, there’s good mechanics and also so-so ones. I play Titleist and once in awhile, pull out a set of Ping isi Beryllium Copper & Nickel, that I had put together, playing them for a change. To me, the isi’s were one of the best irons that Karsten ever made. Is it the indian or the arrow – you decide…

Will

11 months ago

Clay, who posted about an hour after me, reminded that I also had a set Jack Nicklaus forged blades, that were excellent also – so good that my 7 iron went missing for a whole year at a club I played – finally returned after I had replaced it with a dup… Still some fine choices of forded blades, without spending $1k for one…

ROD

11 months ago

Bravo!!
I love the clubs design, pure art!
My respects for what they are doing; offering passion & art in a beautiful club. Its like a Jaguar XKE to me, yes you have modern cars that are better and faster, but driving and feeling on XKE is pure.
Love the club number art. it seems they like guns.

Still, I can’t afford them :cry
I will have to stick with my Mizuno MP18 … BTW: made by 100 y/o Samurai artisans, iron melted by Volcano lava. Note: Volcanos are maintained with virgin sacrifices.

Dave r

11 months ago

Hmm made in the USA, made for the elite sounds about right at that price. Wish him well in the business only hope he realizes that it’s not the elite that supports the golf industry it’s the little guy. They are very good looking clubs and would like to swing one someday.

BRIANM

11 months ago

I really think the point is, they are not better performing, but more pleasing do to the art. I always appreciate the look of a forged blade. I grew up on blades ( hogan was always my first choice, but played staff as well. Also I had haig ultra forged iron). My favorite is still the iron I play today, a Founders Club 200 iron.) You have to appreciate the beauty to enjoy the club, then they reward you with feel and touch.

Finners

Plaidjacket

11 months ago

Here’s my take. The irons from what is presented in the piece are pretty to look at. I enjoy seeing what people are able to come up with in the custom golf category. I bet they are really nice to play too. However, I wouldn’t pay his price for his clubs. It’s that simple. Same for a shotgun or fly rod and any number of other items in this boutique-bespoke-custom-vanity category. My $400 Mossberg has knocked down as many or more dove than my friends $28,000 bespoke gun. But that’s just me as I know many people who do purchase such items. To each his own. No biggie.
This guy openly implies in a matter of fact way that he’s the Soup Nazi from Seinfeld TV show. I can just see a fellow all thrilled to own/buy his clubs and going through a pre-sales process only to speak the wrong word (according to Griffin) and being told to hit the bricks as he’s now decided you’re not worthy and will not sell you a set. NO SOUP FOR YOU!!

I had found about these online a while ago. Didn’t realize he was such an elitist though. But, it’s a free country. He doesn’t want to business with most folks. That’s his right. Pretty small market. He won’t be around long.

NH Golfer

HardcoreLooper

11 months ago

There’s room for everyone in golf. Personally, I’d love to see Made In The USA for the masses, but I wish P53 the best of luck. As a long time Hogan devotee (Apex Redlines, then Apex Plus) anyone that’s paying Jeff Sheets to design golf clubs is OK in my book.

Absolutely love the name P53. I can see the Hogan influence in the design and his desire to create that fine piece of jewelry Hogan inspired many people to aspire to. The iron reminds me of the original Precision series of irons. One of the best articles and good news stories in the golf industry I have read in a long time. Nice work MGS.

Fred

Paul

11 months ago

“If someone slings coffee for a living but is a classic blades player and a quality individual I’d love to spend time with on the course, then we’ll figure that out. It’s really about finding the right people who value what we value.”

The cynic in me doesn’t want to believe but this really stood out. Where PXG caters to the “select few” (their words not mine) this sounds like a company that would possibly work with a forklift driver who hasn’t fallen in love with a blade since his 1999 Hogan Apex irons. At least a fella can hope.

The irons in the article are absolutely gorgeous and if possible who wouldn’t want to support an American golf manufacturer?

Milo

Sharkhark

11 months ago

I can’t decide if I like and admire the guy or… Want him to take his grey poupon mustard and his rolls and drive out of my sight.
The irons look amazing but three knock on PXG has always been price and the ego of the owner…
We finally found someone who out elite’s am elitist like Parsons…

Pkc

gunmetal

11 months ago

Cool. I can get everything Mr Griffin touches on with a set of Mizuno MPs that I’ve taken apart and built back up together with my own hands to my exact specs and tolerances. Do I strike them purely every time? No. Do I get that happy feeling every time I pull them out of the bag and look down by the ball? Absolutely.

Scott

11 months ago

Beautiful, simple and stark. Beautifully crafted irons. I especially love the number stamping on the hosel. I have a Wilson 2iron and my Old Accushnet’s that are 40+years old and they have that type of script type numbering.
Before Macgregor perished I saw Don White hand grinding clubs at their facility where they did $5000 fitting in their plant in South Georgia. It was before I knew anything about anything golf, but I knew this was a special process. Although at the time I’m sure I thought it was overly expensive for a set of clubs.
But I obsess over hand crafted and boutique clubs. I can’t stop myself from thinking about my old Scratch wedges and gawking over their clubs. Equally obsessed with owning a set of Miura Baby Blades. The Yuyuri wedges are maybe as ugly as you can get, but I have had Boxers (dogs) for 25 years and see the beauty in that wrinkled drolly face. Yuyuri has a spot in my heart. I tried out the Ben Hogans when they were introduced. Mmmm.
Thanks P53 and MGS for giving me another Thing.
Dream on…..

scott

11 months ago

I respect his business model – take a club, intentionally limit production and availability so that he can demand a high price which will appeal to those who have the “look at me” attitude and exclusivity. He’s in business to make money. I get it.

Don’t paint the model as providing clubs to those that value “American Made” products. Guessing Mr. Hogan wouldn’t care much for this approach either….

I know an exactly what Christopher Griffin is on about and feel exactly the same. To me my irons ‘have’ to be blades with cavity backs or what I call bottom perimeter weighting and if they are beautiful artworks to go with that……. even better.
I run an old set of ‘El Cheapos’ called ‘Echelon’ Centre Score which are bottom perimeter weighted blades with two power ribs that help transfer the weight across the full clubface and you would have to step over my dead body to take them from me. What I see on the P53’s that excites me though is the perceived weight which my Echelons lack slightly……… pity I am a 68 year ‘young’ pensioner because those in my bag (with a slightly thinner topline) would be unbelievable and make me think I could go out there and emulate the great Mr Ben Hogan……. good dream though!!!

Rob C

11 months ago

Really interesting read. No matter the product or result, you have to love a Made in the USA story. I love his passion and philosophy, his being so upfront style about who will be and won’t be his clients.

Like JB said, some will love hit and some will hate it, but even though I’m sure not to be a client, I dont’ see how you can hate his approach. But surely we will see comments such as, “$6,000 for six irons, that’s what’s wrong with golf” Comments like that are missing the whole point.

Best wishes for nothing but success to Mr. Griffin and P53…which by the way, how great is that name.